How to Make Mashed Potatoes?

 Mashed potatoes—the comfort dish that rules them all. No matter the occasion—a holiday feast, a weeknight supper, or even a late-night snack (don't worry, I won't tell anyone)—mashed potatoes always provide that comforting, buttery, creamy delight! Despite their apparent simplicity, mashed potatoes may be challenging to make just right regarding texture and flavor.

Do you often find yourself asking, "How can I make mashed potatoes that are velvety smooth, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible?" If that's the case, you've found the ideal spot! Follow along with me as I show you how to correctly make mashed potatoes, and your guests will beg for more. On top of that, I'll give you some expert advice to make your mash the talk of the town!

What Potatoes Are Best for Mashed Potatoes?

Before we get to the actual recipe, let’s talk about potatoes. Believe it or not, the type of potato you use plays a HUGE role in how your mashed potatoes turn out. Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to mashing!

For the smoothest, creamiest, and most flavorful mashed potatoes, you want to use high-starch potatoes. Russet potatoes and Yukon Golds are the undisputed champions here. Russets are fluffy and starchy, giving you that light, airy texture we crave. On the other hand, Yukon Golds have a naturally buttery flavor and a smooth texture, making them an excellent partner in crime for the perfect mash.

Zulay Says: use half Yukon Golds and half Russets for a winning combination. The Russets give you that fluffy base, while the Yukon Golds bring the creaminess and flavor. It’s like a potato dream team!

Ingredients 

• 1/2 Kg of Potatoes
• 2-3 Cloves Garlic
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 2 tablespoons Cream Cheese
• Fine Sea Salt
• Optional Add-ins

How to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes?

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes

First things first—get those potatoes ready! You can peel them if you prefer smooth mashed potatoes, or leave the skins on for a more rustic texture. Personally, I love a little bit of skin in the mash for extra texture and flavor.

Once you’ve decided on peeled or unpeeled, cut the potatoes into evenly-sized chunks, about an inch thick. You want them all the same size so they cook evenly. No one likes lumpy, undercooked potatoes!

Zulay Says: Don’t start cooking the potatoes in boiling water! Always put them in a pot of cold water first. This helps the potatoes cook evenly, rather than the outside turning mushy while the inside is still undercooked. Trust me on this one.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Transfer the cut potatoes to a large pot and fill it with cold water until the water line sits about an inch above the potatoes. Add your garlic cloves and a hearty tablespoon of salt to the water. The garlic will infuse the potatoes with flavor while they cook, and the salt helps season the potatoes from the inside out.

Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let the potatoes simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until a knife can easily slide through the center of a potato. This means they’re perfectly tender!

When the potatoes are done, carefully drain the water. You don’t want them sitting in hot water for too long, as that can make them waterlogged and less fluffy.

Step 3: Heat the Milk and Butter

While the potatoes are boiling, it’s time to prep the butter and milk. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, milk, and 2 teaspoons of sea salt. Heat everything over low heat until the butter is melted. 

Zulay Says: Avoid boiling the milk—just warm it up enough to melt the butter and bring everything together. This buttery, salty mixture is about to make your mashed potatoes sing.

Set the mixture aside until you’re ready to use it.

Step 4: Dry Out the Potatoes

Here’s a step that often gets overlooked but makes a big difference: drying out the potatoes! After you’ve drained the cooked potatoes, return them to the hot stockpot and place it back on the burner over low heat.

Gently shake the pot for about a minute to help cook off any excess moisture from the potatoes. This ensures your mashed potatoes will be nice and fluffy, not soggy.

Zulay Says: Removing the extra moisture before mashing is key to getting that light, airy texture!

Step 5: Mash Away!

Now comes the fun part—mashing! Grab your potato masher (or ricer if you want super-smooth potatoes), and start mashing the potatoes directly in the pot. Depending on whether you prefer a chunkier or smoother texture, you can mash them as much or as little as you like.

Pour half your warm butter and milk mixture once the potatoes are mashed to your desired consistency. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold the mixture into the potatoes until they absorb all that buttery goodness. Repeat with the remaining butter and milk.

Step 6: The Secret Ingredient: Cream Cheese

Add in the cream cheese. This secret ingredient gives your mashed potatoes an extra layer of creaminess and a slight tang that elevates the flavor. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to plain mashed potatoes again!

Fold the cream cheese into the potatoes until it’s fully incorporated.

Final Touches and Flavor Boosters

You’ve made it! Now, all that’s left is to season the mashed potatoes to taste. Add extra salt if needed, and if you’re a fan of a little peppery kick, sprinkle in some black pepper.

For a bit of extra flair, you can also stir in some chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme. If you want to go all out, a sprinkle of parmesan or a drizzle of truffle oil will turn your mashed potatoes into a gourmet masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Mashed Potatoes

• Control the texture: Whether you like your mashed potatoes silky smooth or with a bit of chunk, you’re in charge of the consistency.
• Flavor flexibility: You can customize the flavor with garlic, herbs, cream cheese, or even bacon bits!
• Fresh and satisfying: There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly mashed potatoes, especially when you’ve made them with love.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

And there you have it- mashed potatoes that are visually appealing and incredibly tasty, making them ideal for any event! 

Comforting, versatile, and incredibly satisfying—those are the reasons mashed potatoes have stood the test of time. With this tried-and-true recipe, you can now consistently produce top-notch results. This recipe will teach you how to smash potatoes like an expert!

I want to know how your mashed potatoes come out, so I say try it! Please post a comment below and tell me everything about the magic you've worked with mashed potatoes, including your favorite toppings and tricks.

Share the Love

If you know someone who’s always on the hunt for the perfect mashed potatoes, be sure to share this recipe with them! And don’t forget to tag @ZulayKitchen and use #kitchenhappiness when you post your delicious creations online—I can’t wait to see your mashed potato masterpieces!